Translation of the Chofetz Chaim's Sefer Shmiras HaLashon. This site is dedicated to the improvement of the speech of members of Bnei Yisrael. To help avoid all sorts of troubles, learn Shmiras HaLashon - "One who guards his mouth and his tongue guards from troubles of his soul." (Mishlei: 21; 23)

Monday, June 04, 2007

Shmiras HaLashon י"ח טבת - Teves 18 - One-Hundred-and-Eighth Day

Incidental [to the previous teaching that everything that befalls a person is decreed from Heaven], we shall offer a brief explanation concerning the trait of trust [in HaShem], and shall subsequently arrive at our topic [of discussion]. King David, Alav HaShalom[1], said [in sefer “Tehillim”], “Trust in HaShem and perform [that which is] good, dwell [in the] land and be sustained by belief [in HaShem].”[2] (Tehillim: 37; 3) In the [opening of the pasuk, David] warns the person regarding the attribute of trust [in HaShem], and afterwards, [he warns the person] regarding the performance of [that which is] good. [King David ordered the pasuk in such a way], for [trust in HaShem] is a strong foundation upon which all edifices can be built. As an example [to the above], The Holy Torah has commanded us that we should constantly be careful to [involve ourselves] with Torah study, and, at the very least, [we are commanded in the Torah to be careful] to set designated times for Torah [study]. Similarly, [we are commanded to be careful] concerning the [the mitzvah of] dispensing tzedakah, and [we must] likewise [be careful concerning] matters [involving the performance of any of the] other mitzvos, which, [outwardly], ostensibly appears to involve the depletion of the money of the person [involved in the performance of that given mitzvah. Concerning the performance of such mitzvos], the evil inclination entices [the individual by] saying [the following]: If I will not invest an exceedingly [great deal of] effort in my business dealings, what else will I [be able to] do in [the] end [of] my life [in order to sustain myself]? Specifically, at this time, when I am exceedingly prepared to travel and to go to [various destinations], if [I do] not [invest a great deal of my time and effort in my business dealings] at this point in time, [then] when [will I have an opportunity to earn the money designated to provide for myself later in life]? [Based on the above argument posed by the evil inclination, the person then goes] and he invests the [additional] effort [in his business dealings], thereby interrupting [and detracting] from his designated time for Torah study. The same [is true of the individual’s] avoidance of giving charity, based on these and similar claims [offered up by the evil inclination]. Therefore, the pasuk comes [to communicate to us in a manner] similar to one [person] who warns [another]: “Trust in HaShem”, for He Will definitely compensate you [by providing] all that is fitting to come to you. “And do [that which is] good” – As a result of [putting your trust in HaShem], you will be able to perform all that which is good. [The above follows that which is] mentioned in [the Talmud] Yirushalmi [maseches Sotah[3], as follows: There was an incident involving] one [individual] who was [occupied with Torah] study, [at which time the potential] customers were shouting [at him], ([requesting] that he should emerge with his merchandise [in order] to sell [it to them]). [Whereupon, the merchant who was occupied with Torah study], said: “I will not abrogate my [designated] time [of Torah study, rather], if [this business] is fitting to come my way, it will come. (The “Korban Eidah” [states as follows]: “[This businessman] was saying, “I am not going to abrogate the hour that I have designated for Torah study, for the sake of a monetary profit. If it is fitting that a profit will come to me, it will come [to me] on its own from The Holy One, Blessed is He, even after I conclude my designated [Torah] study).

[1] "Alav HaShalom" means "The Peace is upon him", "Shalom" referring to HaShem. This phrase is used in reference to someone who is no longer alive.

[2] The entire pasuk states, “Trust in HaShem and do [that which is] good, dwell in the land and shepherd belief [in HaShem].” (Tehillim: 37; 3) RaSh”I explains “shepherd belief” to be “sustained by belief”.

RaSh”I explains the pasuk as follows:

Trust in HaShem: “And do not say, ‘If I will not rob and steal, or if I will give charity to a poor person, with what shall I sustain myself?’”

And perform good: Then you shall dwell on the land with longevity.

And shepherd belief [in HaShem]: “You shall eat and earn your livelihood from the reward of the belief, for you have believed in The Holy One, Blessed is He, to rely upon Him and to perform good.”

From the above pasuk, we learn that the individual benefits from having belief in HaShem that by following the Torah, the person will benefit. The person should not think that avoiding charity and stealing will be what benefits him. The world is run by HaShem, and the person who follows The Torah is the one who truly benefits.

[3] This teaching is found in maseches Sotah, Chapter 8, in the end of Halacha 13.